The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.

This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

“President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue were very clear when they directed Rural Development to identify and meet rural water needs as a foundational pillar in improving rural infrastructure,” Baxley said. “Safe and reliable water infrastructure is critical to the health, safety and economic vitality of rural America. Without access to safe water and functional wastewater treatment, sustainable growth in rural areas is not possible.”

USDA is making the $192 million investment through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Below are some examples of investments announced today:

The city of Apalachicola, Fla., population, 2,328, is receiving a $474,000 loan and a $1.2 million grant to improve the central water system treatment facility. The filtration processes will be upgraded to reduce the level of disinfection byproducts in the treated water. The system serves 1,463 customers.

The city of Sigourney, Iowa, population 2,059, is receiving a $3.9 million loan to update its wastewater treatment system. The city will purchase a back-up generator, install a new aeration system and construct a submerged, activated growth reactor system. These improvements will enable the system to meet new ammonia limits set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Mullan, Idaho, population 783, is receiving a $1.2 million loan and a $393,000 grant to upgrade 14,500 feet of mainline sewers and replace or rehabilitate 103 manholes. This project will improve the environment by eliminating bypasses and untreated wastewater. It also will prevent sinkholes and eliminate hazards to which city crews are exposed when they repair deficient manholes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing $1 million in additional funding, along with $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and $30,000 from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.